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Whispering Leaves Pack Lore (DNR)

Whispering Leaves Pack Lore (DNR)
Posted 2021-10-26 20:42:54 (edited)
#548708


The Beginning





◆
When the moon turns blue, a marked pup shall begin an age of tranquility and an era of honor.

◆


    One summer long ago, Dawnshadow founded the Whispering Leaves Pack with her mate Pineconemoss in the deciduous forest. The pack grew strong for a time, before the world they knew changed for the worse. Mysterious lights began to appear at night and reports from neighboring packs said that wolves gone missing. It was only a matter of time before wolves from the Whispering Leaves Pack started to disappear as well. Alpha Dawnshadow made the difficult decision to move the pack in an attempt to escape from the mysterious lights.

    They crossed the Great River to settle in the coniferous forest and had peace, for a time. Dawnshadow and Pineconemoss were scouting near some caves at the edge of their territory when a strange pulse of energy occurred, changing the colors of their pelts. Moss began to grow from their skin, binding with their fur. It was not long before pups were born with similar mossy afflictions, and it was the final straw for most of the pack and they left.

    Dawnshadow thought her pack was doomed until one day a strange wolf approached the meager pack. Her pelt was touched by moonlight and she spoke of a prophecy to Dawnshadow, lifting her spirits and her hope for the future of her pack. After that many new and skillful wolves joined the pack, all with the mission of making the Whispering Leaves Pack strong again. While Dawnshadow was besotted, the strange moonlit wolf turned her attention to the leader's son, Bearspirit. She told him of how it was his destiny to venture into the Dreamlands, and that she would help guide him. He, along with his mate Nightdance, were the ambassadors for the Dreamlands. Because of this new partnership Bearspirit convinced his mother to move the pack to the Taiga. So once again they made a long journey through the woods before settling between two lakes. There, a new prophecy was given.

    When the moon turns blue, a marked pup shall begin an age of tranquility and an era of honor.

    Nightdance gave birth to Jay at Sapphire Pond, a pup with a paw in both the waking and sleeping world. Destined to bring the pack to greatness, Dawnshadow took to mentoring her as the next leader in her twilight years. Now that Dawnshadow has joined her mate in the afterlife, Jay has large pawsteps to fill leading the pack. Will she be able to live up to the prophecy?



code by #202




  • A new Leader will be chosen as a direct descendant of Dawnshadow

  • A new Stud will be chosen as the best found NBW at the time, he will be a scout

  • A new Herbalist  will be chosen as the current one ages and the pup fits into the lore

  • A new Scout  will be chosen based on skill/lore

  • A new Mentor  will be chosen from the most skilled Camp Guards over 5 years of age

  • A new Old Growth Hunter  will be chosen from the oldest New Growth Hunters

  • A new New Growth Hunter  will be chosen from the oldest Sapling Hunters

  • A new Sapling Hunter  will be chosen from the oldest Acorn Hunters

  • A new Acorn Hunter  will be chosen from the most skilled Camp Guards

  • A new Camp Guard  will be any new addition to the pack whether NBW or grown pup


Credit for all images | Art Credit
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-10-26 20:43:12 (edited)
#548709


The Present




    The towering redwoods rustle quietly overhead, their fallen needles softening your journey. You pad deeper into the fern grove, the air thick with moisture. Not much light reaches down here but what does creates a dazzling display of dancing shadows on the undergrowth. Is it day? Is it night? You're not sure, but it is quite tranquil here and you get caught up in the beautiful scenery. This prevents you from noticing the lithe bodies slowly circling you, almost escorting you until you come to a stop in a well trotted clearing. Suddenly, a large holly bush quivers as a wolf steps out to stand protectively in front of a downed redwood log. Several sets of tiny eyes peer out from the mossy insides, yipping excitedly. More bodies move from dens dug out below from the roots of the massive trees, but before you can make your escape the wolves that were following you quickly block your only exit. The whispering leaves overhead reach a crescendo as a wolf steps out, almost blending in to the blue light cascading down. The light seems to dance patterns on their fur between the mossy growths, the rumors were true.

    "I am Alpha Moonlight On Quiet Glade," her strong voice is easily heard above the rattling branches and creaking wood, "Welcome to the Whispering Leaves Pack territory!"





✩ Leader: Moonlight On Quiet Glade | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer ✩
Second Year Under Moonlight On Quiet Glade's Leadership | Begun the Thirty First Spring


♡ Stud: Bog Of Floating Lights | In Pack Since The Thirty First Winter ♡


⚘ Herbalist: Bush On Mountainside | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Winter ⚘


⌘ Scout: Redwoodpelt | In Pack Since The Twenty Fourth Winter ⌘


⌗ Mentor: Sweetbreeze | In Pack Since The Twenty Fourth Autumn ⌗



➷ Old Growth Stalker: Ivyeyes | In Pack Since The Twenty Fourth Spring ➷


➷ Old Growth Lead Chaser: Kestrelsong | In Pack Since The Twenty Third Spring ➷


➷ Old Growth Second Chaser: Nightfire | In Pack Since The Twenty Fifth Summer ➷


➷ Old Growth Third Chaser: Mossyboulder | In Pack Since The Twenty Fifth Autumn ➷


➷ Old Growth Finisher: Acornpatch | In Pack Since The Twenty Fourth Spring ➷



➹ New Growth Stalker: Sorrelleaf | In Pack Since The Twenty Sixth Autumn ➹


➹ New Growth Lead Chaser: Cedarember | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter ➹


➹ New Growth Second Chaser: Foggybrook | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter ➹


➹ New Growth Third Chaser: Swiftfang | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter ➹


➹ New Growth Finisher: Furzebud | In Pack Since The Twenty Fifth Spring ➹



➵ Sapling Stalker: Pineconescale | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Summer ➵


➵ Sapling Lead Chaser: Silentwoods | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Summer ➵


➵ Sapling Second Chaser: Loudcrow | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Autumn ➵


➵ Sapling Third Chaser: Mothwing | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Winter ➵


➵ Sapling Finisher: Coldwind | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer ➵



⇺ Acorn Stalker: Furledleaf | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Winter ⇺


⇺ Acorn Lead Chaser: Hawk That Lands In Tree | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer ⇺


⇺ Acorn Second Chaser: Hare That Runs At Dusk | In Pack Since The Thirty Third Summer ⇺


⇺ Acorn Third Chaser: Mud Next To River | In Pack Since The Thirtieth Winter ⇺


⇺ Acorn Finisher: Cry of Soaring Eagle | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer ⇺



『 Camp Guard: Mist That Blocks Out Sun | In Pack Since The Thirtieth Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Gorgewind | In Pack Since The Twenty Sixth Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Blossomspiral | In Pack Since The Twenty Fifth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Smallfeather | In Pack Since The Twenty Fifth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Mooseantler | In Pack Since The Twenty Sixth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Eclipsesight | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Sunflowerseed | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Rabbitjump | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Quietstorm | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Sturgeonleap | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Autumn』


『 Camp Guard: Lightningstrike | In Pack Since The Twenty Seventh Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Amberfleck | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Aspenheart | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Autumn』


『 Camp Guard: Desertbloom | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Twistedroot | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Marigoldpetal | In Pack Since The Twenty Nineth Autumn』


『 Camp Guard: Creekripple | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Cloverwhisker | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Springpelt | In Pack Since The Twenty Eighth Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Twilightfur | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Tumbledrock | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Briarthorn | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Snailstone | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Autumn』


『 Camp Guard: Darkcloud | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Autumn』


『 Camp Guard: Thunder Of Coming Storm | In Pack Since The Thirtieth Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Thick Fog In Dark Swamp | In Pack Since The Thirty First Spring』


『 Camp Guard: Wildfire In Small Field | In Pack Since The Thirtieth Winter』


『 Camp Guard: Snake Hidden In Grass | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Wren Who Sings Loudly | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Badger Digging Burrow | In Pack Since The Twenty Ninth Summer』


『 Camp Guard: Green Glow On Lake | In Pack Since The Thirtieth Spring』

『 Camp Guard: Stone That Can't Be Moved | In Pack Since The Thirty First Autumn』

『 Camp Guard: Silent Winter Moonlight | In Pack Since The Thirty Third Autumn』

『 Camp Guard: Night Of Stormy Gales | In Pack Since The Thirty First Spring』

『 Camp Guard: Fish In Swift River | In Pack Since The Thirty First Spring』

『 Camp Guard: Shade In Thick Forest | In Pack Since The Thirty First Spring』

『 Camp Guard: Dust That Drifts On Wind | In Pack Since The Thirty Third Summer』

『 Camp Guard: Reeds That Grow By River | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Summer』

『 Camp Guard: Dew From Morning Grass | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Summer』

『 Camp Guard: Rock That Parts Creek | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Summer』

『 Camp Guard: Petal Of Red Flower | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Summer』

『 Camp Guard: Scream Of Fox In Distance | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Autumn』

『 Camp Guard: Bark Of Old Oak | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Autumn』

『 Camp Guard: Star In Evening Sky | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Autumn』


Notable Pups:
Branch That Touches Sky | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Autumn
Sparrow Building Nest | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Autumn
Sunshine Between Leaves | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Spring
Stars Reflected In Pool | In Pack Since The Thirty Second Spring
Otter Creating Waves | In Pack Since The Thirty Third Summer
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-10-27 09:15:29 (edited)
#548909


In Memory




| Pineconemoss ♂ | Stud | Died: The Eighth Autumn | In Pack For 29 Seasons

|Theme Song|

| Dawnshadow ♀ | The First Leader | Died: The Eighth Spring | In Pack For 31 Seasons

|Theme Song|

| Nightdance ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Ninth Winter | In Pack For 25 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Bearspirit ♂ | Scout | Died: The Tenth Winter | In Pack For 34 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Smoke Dancing Through Sky ♂ | Stud | Died: The Thirteenth Autumn | In Pack For 29 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Bird Soaring Through Sky ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Fourteenth Summer | In Pack For 8 Seasons
|

Jay at Sapphire Pond ♀ | Leader | Died: The Fourteenth Spring | In Pack For 33 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Blood Moon at Twilight ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Seventeenth Winter | In Pack For 27 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Frozen Pond in Winter ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Eighteenth Winter | In Pack For 28 Seasons
|

Chaser Of The Sun ♂ | Stud | Died: The Eighteenth Spring | In Pack For 26 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Abalone Shell On Sand ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Nineteenth Autumn | In Pack For 28 Seasons
|

Badger In Hollow Tree ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Nineteenth Autumn | In Pack For 23 Seasons
|

Root of Strong Tree ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Nineteenth Winter | In Pack For 29 Seasons
|

Mist Over Dark Trail ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Nineteenth Winter | In Pack For 27 Seasons
|

Antler in Moonlit Glade ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Nineteenth Spring | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Lights On Mountaintop ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Nineteenth Spring | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Snake In Hawk Talons ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Nineteenth Spring | In Pack For 29 Seasons
|

Frost On Aspen Ridge ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Nineteenth Spring | In Pack For 28 Seasons
|

Ripple in Deep Pond ♀ | Scout | Died: The Twentieth Summer | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Peak With Sharp Tip ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twentieth Summer | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Puddle Beneath Tree ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twentieth Summer | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Blossom Growing On Tundra ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twentieth Summer | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Flicker Of Dying Fire ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twentieth Summer | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Burn Marks On Trunk ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twentieth Autumn | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Water Dripping From Fern ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twentieth Winter | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Storm Brewing On Horizon ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twentieth Winter |  In Pack For 27 Seasons
|

Fómhar ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twentieth Spring | In Pack For 26 Seasons
|

Seileach ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty First Summer | In Pack For 22 Seasons
|

Bláth ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty First Spring | In Pack For 29 Seasons
|

Bronagh ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Second Summer | In Pack For 16 Seasons
|

Sionnach ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Second Summer | In Pack For 28 Seasons
|

Faolán ⚧ | Leader | Died: The Twenty Second Autumn | In Pack For 33 Seasons

|Theme Song|

Mathan ♂ | Herbalist | Died: The Twenty Second Winter | In Pack For 33 Seasons
|

Torr ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Second Spring | In Pack For 29 Seasons
|

Deigh ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Third Summer | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Beacán ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Third Autumn | In Pack For 32 Seasons
|

Gealach ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twenty Third Winter | In Pack For 32 Seasons
|

Camhaoir ♂ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fourth Summer | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Oíche ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fourth Summer | In Pack For 33 Seasons
|

Lá ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fourth Summer | In Pack For 33 Seasons
|

Beithir ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fourth Summer | In Pack For 33 Seasons
|

Clach ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fourth Autumn | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Cnámh ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fourth Winter | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Teine ♀ | Scout | Died: The Twenty Fourth Winter |  In Pack For 32 Seasons
|

Fuil ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fourth Spring | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Fraoch ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fifth Winter | In Pack For 36 Seasons
|

Eoghan ♂ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fifth Winter | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Cluaran ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fifth Winter | In Pack For 36 Seasons
|

Lus an Chromchinn ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fifth Spring | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Rowena ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fifth Spring | In Pack For 22 Seasons
|

Aislinn ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Fifth Spring | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Saoirse ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Fifth Spring | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Cerridwen ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twenty Sixth Autumn | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Arawn ♂ | Stud | Died: The Twenty Sixth Autumn | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Niamh ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Sixth Winter | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Roisin ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Sixth Winter | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Aidan ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Sixth Winter | In Pack For 25 Seasons
|

Scréachóg ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Sixth Spring | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Gailleann ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Seventh Summer | In Pack For 39 Seasons
|

Enid ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Seventh Summer | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Una ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Seventh Summer | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Laisren ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Seventh Autumn | In Pack For 30 Seasons
|

Áine ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Seventh Winter | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Deannach ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Seventh Winter | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Séamus ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Seventh Spring | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Blayre ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Seventh Spring | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Aoife ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Eighth Summer | In Pack For 40 Seasons
|

Morgan ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Eighth Summer | In Pack For 32 Seasons
|

Rowan ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Eighth Summer | In Pack For 36 Seasons
|

Quinn ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twenty Eighth Autumn | In Pack For 40 Seasons
|

Kelpie ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Eighth Autumn | In Pack For 40 Seasons
|

Keane ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Eighth Winter | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Grianstad ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Eighth Winter | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Riordan ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Eighth Winter | In Pack For 34 Seasons
|

Onora ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 39 Seasons
|

Cuchulain ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 36 Seasons
|

Rhona ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Teagan ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Kiera ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 36 Seasons
|

Jaggedcove ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 19 Seasons
|

Léan ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Doireann ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Deidre ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Desmond ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Shannon ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Avalon ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Summer | In Pack For 38 Seazons
|

Farrell ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Bronwen ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Caoimhe ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 39 Seasons
|

Caitlin ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Boudicca ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Autumn | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Rushingspring ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Ninth Winter | In Pack For 32 Seasons
|

Rhiannon ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Twenty Ninth Winter | In Pack For 39 Seasons
|

Swanfeather ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Twenty Ninth Winter | In Pack For 17 Seasons
|

Igraine ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirtieth Summer | In Pack For 37 Seasons
|

Gwyneth ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Thirtieth Summer | In Pack For 40 Seasons


Bryn ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Thirtieth Summer | In Pack For 40 Seasons
|

Nimue ♂ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Thirty First Summer | In Pack For 43 Seasons
|

Darkhorizon ♀ | Mentor | Died: The Thirty First Autumn | In Pack For 42 Seasons
|

Cypressshade ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Thirty First Autumn | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Snowpatch ♀ | Herbalist | Died: The Thirty First Autumn | In Pack For 42 Seasons
|

Cloverpetal ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirty First Winter | In Pack For 39 Seasons
|

Cloudedsky ♀ | Leader | Died: The Thirty First Spring | In Pack For 44 Seasons
|

Honeywing ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirty First Spring | In Pack For 42 Seasons
|

Falconscar ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Thirty Second Summer | In Pack For 41 Seasons
|

Antlerspirit ♂ | Stud | Died: The Thirty Second Summer | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Chestnutfur ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Thirty Second Autumn | In Pack For 42 Seasons
|

Bramblefrost ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirty Second Autumn | In Pack For 38 Seasons
|

Shimmeringscale ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirty Second Winter | In Pack For 35 Seasons
|

Moonshadow ♀ | Camp Guard | Died: The Thirty Second Spring | In Pack For 31 Seasons
|

Mistymeadow ♀ | Lead Hunter | Died: The Thirty Second Spring | In Pack Since For 31 Seasons
|

Sharpbranch ♀ | Hunter | Died: The Thirty Third Autumn | In Pack For 33 Seasons
|
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-02 07:50:17 (edited)
#552189


The First Summer



  • Dawnshadow founded the Whispering Leaves Pack. She found mate Pineconefur and had her first litter, two boys.

  • Cedartail is the first permanent member of the pack. She is a hunter, and a strong finisher.

  • Oakstrike is the first to grow to adulthood in the pack. He is a hunter, and a cunning stalker.

  • Acornmask joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a swift chaser.

  • Sunpatch joined the pack. He is a hunter, and a swift chaser.


    The golden she wolf wandered alone through the deciduous forest. She had been traveling for what felt like moons at this point, journeying across a variety of landscapes, looking for where she could call home. This patch of the forest seemed like it just might be it. She stopped and looked around, taking a deep breath of the warm summer night air. Could this be where she finally rests her tired paws? A rustling in some nearby bushes caused her to prick her ears. She was confident in her ability to defend herself, so she met the new arrival boldly. It was a young male, his yellow gaze meeting her own.

    "Is this your pack's territory?" he asked, his strong voice easily carrying over to her despite the distance. His gaze swept around, expecting to be chased off at any moment. Dawnshadow paused, mulling over her answer. At that moment the breeze picked up and rustled the branches overhead. The leaves danced together, making a beautiful melody that resembled the sky's heartbeat. Her eyes brightened at the energy of the forest and a deep calm settled into her bones.

    "Yes." she answered eventually, "This is the Whispering Leaves Pack".


    Dawnshadow sat curled up in a large mossy log, her two young pups nestled into her flank. The summer had been hot, but short, with a lot of learning curves as she tried to guide her young pack into thriving. She peered out from the darkness towards the brightly lit central clearing, where the rest of her small pack was milling about. Her mate, Pineconefur, was just returning from a scouting mission. He still kept that adventurous streak within him and found great joy in serving his new pack by bringing back information about neighboring lands. The sound of Cedartail's laughter brought Dawnshadow's attention to her. Cedartail had been the first to join their pack, she knew the territory better and was able to show them the best hunting spots. The swelling of the brown she wolf's belly made Dawnshadow thump her tail, soon she would have company in the mossy log. Oakstrike and Acornmask were tumbling across the clearing, the young wolves energy bringing a chuckle from her chest. They had been the next to join and were fast learners, wanting to help out and be involved anyway they could. Sunpatch moved to greet Pineconefur, eager to hear the stories he had to share. Dawnshadow thought Sunpatch more of an elder than a peer by how much he enjoyed stories, but he was always eager to lend a helping paw.

    One of the young pups at her side cried out and the young queen was quick to settle him back to sleep beside his brother. Dawnshadow sighed contently and curled up to nap with her pups. Pack life was good right now, and she could rest easy knowing everyone was safe and sound.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-07 15:10:59 (edited)
#556178


The First Autumn



  • Dawnshadow's pups weaned. She got sick with diarrhea after exploring but was cured quickly.

  • Cedartail has had her first litter, a girl and a boy. When her pups weaned she decided to leave the pack.

  • Quietbrook joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a swift chaser. She got an open wound on her leg from hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Rowanberry joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a cunning stalker. After hunting she caught influenza but was cured quickly.

  • Oakstrike has decided his true passion is being an herbalist.

  • Cloudchaser grew to adulthood. She is a hunter, and a strong finisher. She had her first litter, two boys.

  • Badgernose grew to adulthood. She is a hunter, and a swift chaser. She had her first litter, one boy and three girls.

  • Bramblethorn has joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a strong finisher.

  • Lochmist, Brookfeather, and Pecanleaf grew to adulthood. The young wolves have banded together and want to make their own hunting party. Lochmist and Pecanleaf are swift chasers and Brookfeather is a cunning stalker.

  • Yarrowears joined the pack. He is a wise mentor.

  • Foxgaze grew to adulthood. She is a brave scout.

  • Smallgrove grew to adulthood. He is a patient pupsitter.

  • Sunpatch got influenza after hunting but recovered quickly.


    Dawnshadow returned to the central clearing, her stomach cramps easing for the moment. 'Should not have rolled in that poop.' she thought, shaking her head to try and clear it. The camp was alive with activity, the adopted pups running around with her own two. She sat for a moment and watched them, bliss causing her to forget her illness. 'How could someone ever give up their pup?' she thought, amazed at the resiliency of the young storming around camp. They had not looked this way when her pack members had first found them but it had taken only a few days for them to come around. She was mulling over how often her pack found homeless pups when Cedartail approached her.

    "Dawnshadow?" Cedartail called out as she approached, "I wanted to talk to you about something". The young queen turned to meet her packmate and was surprised at the steely resolve she found in her eyes.

    "After my pups are old enough," she looked back at her two pups in the mossy log, "I am going to leave the pack". Cedartail went rigid as she finished speaking, waiting to see what Dawnshadow would say. To be honest, Dawnshadow had no idea what to say. Though she had learned a lot in her few months as pack leader she didn't have all the right answers. And she certainly had no idea why Cedartail wanted to leave.

    "If that is what you wish Cedartail I hope you find what you are looking for. We will all miss you." Dawnshadow said sincerely, hoping the emotions behind her words portrayed that. Cedartail had a flash of something in her eyes, regret? But she quickly squashed it and nodded her head to her leader before padding back to her pups.

    Dawnshadow returned her gaze to the bustling clearing, processing what had just happened. There had been a lot of changes happening this season so far. Quietbrook, Rowanberry, and Bramblethorn joined the pack, offering their hunting skills to provide and find a family of their own. Cloudchaser and Badgernose grew to adulthood after being adopted by the pack and being trained by the hunters. Honestly, at this point Dawnshadow had more able hunters than she knew what to do with. She was kind of grateful when Oakstrike stepped down from his hunting position to become the pack's herbalist. There were a lot of wolves around now and though they were fed someone needed to help them stay healthy.

    'Speaking of,' Dawnshadow thought as another stomach cramp seized her, 'I should go see him'. The young queen wasn't even halfway across the clearing when she was surrounded by the pack's oldest adolescents.

    "Um...Dawnshadow?" Lochmist spoke up first, but quickly lost his nerve at her gaze. He suddenly found the ground to be very interesting.

    "We wanted to talk to you..." his sister Brookfeather tried next, but at her leader's yellow gaze she froze like a rabbit having been spotted.

    Pecanleaf got impatient and stepped forward, "We and Cloudchaser and Badgernose want to make our own hunting party!" The she wolf seemed pleased that she had been the only brave one out of her companions. The siblings pressed their ears back in shame but were still very attentive to what Dawnshadow would say. The pack leader quickly scanned the clearing and saw Cloudchaser and Badgernose not too far away, very clearly trying to listen to her response as well despite them looking off in opposite directions. Dawnshadow sighed deeply and closed her eyes as another cramp took over. 'When will I learn the right things to say?' she mentally asked the trees.


    Dawnshadow was leading her mate Pineconefur and their newest scout Foxgaze out of their territory. The young female had shown an adventurous spirit similar to Pineconefur's so he was quick to take her under his wing. The three were itching to get out and explore in the woods with the camp being so crowded. She was once again grateful she had agreed to let the young wolves form their own hunting party, what with so many mouths to feed. Quietbrook was recovering from a wound on her leg while Rowanberry and Sunpatch were being isolated due to having influenza. Cloudchaser and Badgernose had given birth, two boys for Cloudchaser and one boy and three girls for Badgernose. The pack was swarming with pups so Dawnshadow had been grateful when Smallgrove had stepped up to help pupsit, having just aged into an adult himself. He had been the runt from his litter and left to fend for himself in the woods when her packmates had found him, so Dawnshadow believed that was why he had a soft spot for pups.

    Just last night an elder had approached the pack, offering his wisdom in exchange for a home. More than willing for the exchange, just to give the hunters a break from all the pups, Dawnshadow accepted Yarrowears and he quickly settled into his role. But now she was content to be out in the woods with her mate and packmate, gaining knowledge and food to bring back to the pack. At one point she got caught up in the fun of it and challenged the two scouts to a race. She tore off quickly, dodging trees and rocks, her breath coming out in hard pants. She could hear them trying to gain on her but she was pack leader for a reason and pulled forward into a clearing, stopping to do a triumphant lap around the center.

    Her mate came up to her chuckling and rubbed his snout along hers but Foxgaze held back, her gaze locked on the sky. As the two older wolves noticed her they too turned their attention skyward. Dawnshadow's breath caught in her throat as a few delicate snowflakes drifted down to land on their coats. She locked eyes with her mate, her own worry reflected in his eyes. Winter is coming, are they ready?
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-14 08:31:08 (edited)
#561055


The First Winter



  • Dawnshadow's pups weaned. She got sick with diarrhea after exploring but was cured quickly.

  • Cedartail has had her first litter, a girl and a boy. When her pups weaned she decided to leave the pack.

  • Quietbrook joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a swift chaser. She got an open wound on her leg from hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Woodspirit and Ripplepelt grew to adulthood. They are patient pupsitters.

  • Pineconefur became sick with Hepatitis after breeding but he quickly recovered.

  • Acornmask got an open wound from hunting but she quickly recovered. She had her first litter, one large female, one female, and a little runt male.

  • Pecanleaf had her first litter, two girls and one boy. She stepped down as hunter to be a pupsitter.

  • Brookfeather had her first litter, two boys and two girls. During hunting, she picked up some ear mites but was treated quickly.

  • Two of Badgernose's pups wandered after the lights. Bramblethorn, Sunpatch, and Quietbrook went after them. Most were never heard from again but one of her pups made it back with injuries. Distraught, Badgernose stepped down as hunter to become a pupsitter, pregnant Acornmask joining her. Smallgrove, Woodspirit, and Ripplepelt have stepped up as hunters. This has caused some changes to the hunting party dynamics.

  • Dawnshadow got an open wound while exploring but she quickly recovered. She also got diarrhea after rolling in poop but recovered quickly.

  • Auburnspark joined the pack, she is a wise mentor.

  • Arnicapetal grew to adulthood. Seeing her potential, Oakstrike stepped down as herbalist so she could take over. Oakstrike is now a hunter again.

  • Riverstone grew to adulthood. She is a hunter, and a silent stalker. She got an open wound while hunting but she recovered quickly.

  • Smallgrove and Woodspirit mysteriously disappeared one night when the lights were near while another wolf, Autumnsky, showed up. Auburnspark has left the elder's den to join with the new female to be hunters.

  • Autumnsky got an infection while hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Nightcreek joined the pack. He is a hunter, and a swift chaser.

  • Cloudchaser and Badgernose's pups weaned.

  • Rowanberry gave birth, she had one large male, two females, and one runt male.


    "Where are my pups?!" a shrill bark broke the silence of the night and caused all the pack members to come running. Dawnshadow pushed out from her den, Pineconefur groggily getting up beside her. He had gotten sick with hepatitis recently, and though Oakstrike had treated him quickly he was still tired most days.

    Most of the pack had gathered already but Dawnshadow noticed Woodspirit and Ripplepelt, the most recent adolescents to grow to adulthood, were sniffing around the mossy log. They were pupsitters, along with Smallgrove, so out of everyone they should know what was going on. But before she could approach them to ask, Badgernose cried out again.

    "It's those lights! Those mysterious lights took my pups!" her voice turned accusatory as she looked around at the pack, "You should have listened to the warnings from those wolves! The lights are dangerous! And now my pups are missing!" The black she wolf crouched down in a sob, her two remaining pups huddling tight against her belly. Pecanleaf stepped out of the mossy log to comfort the queen, her two pups huddling up with Brookfeather and her four.

    Acornmask stepped forward, "I'll go out and look for them!" The dark she wolf offered but she stumbled before she got very far, the wound she received while hunting reopening. She cursed as Oakstrike reached her and began attending to her injury.

    Dawnshadow took that opportunity to step forward, "I will go look for them". All eyes turned toward her at that point, tension filling the air. She could smell the fear scent on her packmates, for good reason. The mysterious lights had shown up at the beginning of winter. Many wolves had passed on tales of their packmates going missing, and the suspected correlation soon turned to causation. If the young queen looked hard through the naked trees she could just make out the lights. She would need to move quick if she wanted to find the pups in time. But would anyone be brave enough to join her? It would be too much to ask it of any of her packmates.

    Sunpatch was the first to step forward, surprising Dawnshadow, "I'll join you". The quiet storyteller had a strong resolve in his eyes, and Dawnshadow bowed her head respectfully to the male.

    "Me too." Quietbrook and Bramblethorn said almost in unison. She bowed her head to them as well before looking at the rest of her pack. No one else spoke up. With a final heartfelt glance at her mate and pups she raised her tail to signal her search party. Badgernose was still curled up crying so Dawnshadow gave a committing nod to Pecanleaf before leading the way out of the clearing and into the frozen woods.

    It felt like weeks had passed. Once the patrol had caught up to the lights they quickly lost each other as they fell victim to the sparkling brilliance. Guiding her this way and that, Dawnshadow felt she had walked all over the earth by the time she finally came to in a small cave. When she first opened her eyes, she thought the light she saw was more of the mysterious lights coming to take her away again before she realized it was the sun breaking dawn. She sat up, despite her muscles aching in protest, and found her paw pads to be raw and bleeding. Where was she, and how far had she walked? A sudden whimper stole her attention and she looked over her shoulder to see one of Badgernose's missing pups! The pup was too weak to raise her head so Dawnshadow gently picked her up and stepped out into the light. Now, which way home?

    The sun was almost at midday by the time Dawnshadow finally found their way home. A few of her pack members rushed forward as soon as they saw her, Oakstrike gently taking the pup off to his den to treat. Dawnshadow sat back on her haunches and caught her breath, ignoring the barrage of questions until Smallgrove stepped forward.

    "Dawnshadow?" the male asked, his voice strong despite being the runt from his litter. At her answering gaze he continued, "Acornmask was finally able to console Badgernose by convincing her to step down as hunters to be pupsitters. Because of this, Woodspirit, Ripplepelt, and I are stepping up as hunters".

    Dawnshadow took a moment before answering, "What about Sunpatch, Quietbrook, and Bramblethorn?"

    Smallgrove lowered his gaze, "You're the only one to return, you've been gone for three days". At this, Dawnshadow said no more. Her body language must have expressed this because her packmates dispersed, one saying they'll go tell Badgernose one of her pups has returned.

    Dawnshadow sat in silence for a long time before looking at the naked trees around her. Where had the leaves gone, what had happened to her home, her pack? She turned slowly, her muscles protesting loudly, until her back was to her clearing and she could look out into the forest. Waiting for her patrol to come home.

    But no one else ever did.


    It wasn't the first time Dawnshadow had taken up this vigil, but it would be the last. Winter was ending, but it seemed like the mysterious lights were here to stay. Smallgrove and Woodspirit had also disappeared during a hunting trip, and Dawnshadow had waited for them night after night along with her other missing packmates. Auburnspark, Autumnsky, and Nightcreek had shown up then, they did not have the warmest welcome. Her pack was suspicious and mourning, but the three newcomers had proven themselves to be excellent hunters and the pack was slowly warming to them.

    Dawnshadow couldn't even look at the nursery anymore, seeing the three survivors of Badgernose's pups made her heart ache. They were running wild with Cloudchaser's pups, oblivious to the turmoil the rest of the pack was in. Just as well, the nursery was overflowing with Acornmask's four pups and Rowanberry's four as well. Pecanleaf actually stepped down as hunter just to help manage all the squirming bodies.

    "What a tough time for new life..." she said out loud to herself softly, her breath billowing in the cold air. A tough time for older wolves too, as her thoughts went to the herbalist's den. Brookfeather was recovering from ear mites and Autumnsky from an infection. Riverstone, the oldest adolescent to become hunter, was also down with an open wound from hunting. Dawnshadow herself was having stomach cramps but she kept them to herself, there was no need to bother their new herbalist while she was treating so many pack members. Oakstrike had taken a particular fondness to a certain found adolescent, Arnicapetal. She showed great potential and as she became of age he stepped down so she could take over. Oakstrike has since returned to his hunting duties. But food was scare during the cold winter.

    Dawnshadow looked around once more at the barren trees, she often did during her nightly vigils, waiting for her lost pack members. But as the stars glittered coldly up above something inside her solidified - her resolve. She was wrong to declare this place as their home. How can they be the Whispering Leaves Pack if there are no leaves? She certainly felt abandoned once winter hit. Did that make her a stronger leader? Maybe. But what it did do is make her decide what would be best for her family. And it was certainly not this barren place that stole her packmates away in the dark.

    She rose to her paws, a fire lighting her eyes. Tomorrow morning she'll tell her pack she's made a decision, they'll be moving across the Great River to resettle in the Coniferous Forest.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-20 08:26:58 (edited)
#565005


The First Spring



  • The pack moved to the Coniferous Forest.

  • Pecanleaf and Brookfeather's pups weaned.

  • Arnicapetal had her first litter, one large male, three females, and one runt male. The large male has a pelt made of moonlight. Her pups weaned.

  • Riverstone had her first litter, three females. Her pups weaned.

  • Ripplepelt, Pecanleaf, and Oakstrike decide to leave the pack.

  • Cedarflame and Firepelt joined the pack. They are hunters, she a strong finisher and he a swift chaser.

  • After a battle while exploring, Dawnshadow came down with an infection and caught some ticks but recovered quickly.She got in a fight with a bobcat and won, a lone cat claw was left in her pelt. She got in a fight with a mountain lion and won, a battle scar on her upper right leg a reminder.

  • Brookfeather picked up fleas while hunting but she was quickly cured.

  • Rowanberry's pups weaned.

  • Riverstone came down with influenza while hunting but quickly recovered.

  • Dawnshadow got an open wound while exploring but she quickly recovered. She also got diarrhea after rolling in poop but recovered quickly.


    How could one possibly pick the best time to move their pack to a new home? Dawnshadow certainly didn't know. Even as she told her pack while they sat around her that they would be leaving in the morning uncertainty gnawed at her. Regardless, the pack kept their mumbling to a minimum as they returned to their dens, gathering whatever they could take with them. Dawnshadow twitched her ears to the nursery, where Riverstone had just given birth a week before. She could hear the three young she wolves whimpering and mentally made a note on who would take turns carrying the new pups. Thankfully, Pecanleaf's and Brookfeather's pups have weaned so they would not need as much assistance.

    Dawnshadow looked up to the clear night sky above, obstructed only by the bare branches of the deciduous trees. This would be her last night here, and hopefully the last night of trouble for her young pack. They had not seen the mysterious lights recently, and hopefully moving would put great distance between them. It was time for a sense of normalcy to return to her pack. She sighed heavily, and trotted to her den with her mate and grown pups.

    They had set out at first light, Dawnshadow leading with her nuclear family while her hunters brought up the rear, making sure everyone sticked together. The golden queen kept an eye on Arnicapetal, the young herbalist looked ready to pop at any moment with her puppies. Dawnshadow prayed she could hold on until they reached the deep green trees just at the line of their vision. The trek through the naked forest was long but not too difficult. Most of the snow had melted, so the biggest worry for the pack was keeping out of chilly puddles. There was no avoiding the snow melt when they reached the Great River though. Dawnshadow shut out the worried chatter as she stepped forward to assess the safest place to cross. The river had burst its banks with the extra cold water, but it was not fast moving and there were sandbanks that the pack could rest on in between wading. The middle would require a bit of swimming and Dawnshadow assigned a pup to each adolescent, and an adult to each group. She sent her mate and the youngest adults first so they could wait on the sandbanks and the other side of the river to help others across. Arnicapetal was the first to volunteer, and Dawnshadow thought the herbalist looked to be in pain. Oakstrike offered to go with her so she sent a few pups and adols with them as well. Then she sent some of her oldest and youngest together with her strongest hunters until it was only her left with the last group. She held Riverstone's last pup in her mouth and ventured out with Yarrowears. It was a struggle to keep the little brown and black pup above the water but the elder helped her each step of the way. At one point the old mentor lost his footing but her son Burrowclaw who had been waiting on the last sandbank helped him back on his feet.

    Once she finally reached the shore she was grateful to give the pup to her mother and took a moment to catch her breath by scanning the tree line. A sharp yelp of pain caught her attention, until Pecanleaf came up to tell her that Arnicapetal had gone into labor. Dawnshadow began to quickly move toward the welping herbalist but Pecanleaf caught up to her and told her that Oakstrike was with her and they had found a roomy log. There was nothing she could do to help the young herbalist so she set about exploring the new camp they had found and sent the able bodied wolves out to catch some dinner.

    Dawnshadow was just returning from a scouting patrol when she could hear the chattering before she even reached her pack. We just got here, what could be wrong already? she thought to herself, a little annoyed. She set down the squirrel carcass she was carrying and walked up to the closest group of her packmates, waiting expectantly. Everyone looked anywhere at her until Ripplepelt stepped forward, fear pricking his fur.

    "You must cast it out Dawnshadow! It is a bad omen! No good can come of this!" the young male's eyes were wide with fear, though he was trying to hide it with indignation. Before she could respond Badgernose stepped forward and laid a reassuring tail on her packmate before addressing their leader.

    "Something happened while Arnicapetal gave birth. One of the pups came out...different. We think it has something to do with those mysterious lights that took...", the black queen took a moment, obviously struggling with the memory of losing her pup, "Maybe they did something and this pup isn't really..." the dark she wolf trailed off at the end, unable to commit to the theory despite getting caught up in the fear and the hype.

    Ripplepelt stepped in, "That pup is not hers! It is unnatural!". The young male shook himself as if to rid the pup from his fur and stalked off to his den. Dawnshadow looked to Badgernose to explain but the dark she wolf just shook her head and followed after Ripplepelt. The golden queen turned her gaze to the mossy log that Arnicapetal lay, an eerie similarity to the scene she had thought she had left behind at their old home. But their ancestors must have chosen this home for them through the birthing of the pups at the moment of their arrival. Dawnshadow could feel that certainty in her heart, but she could still hear the whispers of her anxious packmates. She stilled her judgement and walked into the den to see what awaited her pack.

Twilightmeadow's origin:
Arnicapetal had been out foraging late one winter evening. A lot of the pack had become sick so she was often working all hours of the day and night. Exhaustion pulled at her paws to return home, but she just had to find one more herb before she could. Padding around a particularly dense bramble, a bright light caught her eye and she froze. 'Is that the mysterious lights?' she thought to herself, fear catching her breath. Several of her packmates had gone missing due to the lights, and she certainly did not want to be the next. But just as quickly as she had seen it, the light was gone. Curiosity stilled her paws, and as she watched another light came into view and then another!

    "A meteor shower..." she breathed to herself, the exhale relaxing her joints that had been ready to sprint home. With her tail raised she padded out into a small clearing to enjoy the starry show. Ever since she was a pup she had been drawn to the more mystical things, herbs and stars included. She believed great stories could be told from the stars, and that their ancestors were up there, so she found deep peace in the moment that she hadn't felt in a while.

    As the meteors picked up in their frequency she sat forward, anticipating where the next one would light up the sky. Her green eyes were lighting up along with the bright orbs when a voice came from behind.

    "Hello," the strong voice spoke, followed by a rumbling chuckle when the she wolf all but jumped out of her fur.

    Eyes wild, Arnicapetal asked, "Wh-who are you? Where did you come from?". She was really regretting not paying more attention in hunting class now. She could smell out an herb from a mile away, but apparently not a wolf ten feet from her.

    "I am Hubble," the male answered, tail wagging slowly as he took a step towards her, "I was wondering if I could join you in watching the meteor shower?". He remained where he stood, waiting for her invitation, a soft smile on his face. Arnicapetal hesitated, not knowing what to say. He seemed friendly enough, and she thought of herself a good judge of character. Just then a really bright meteor lit up the sky, stealing her gaze. The wonderment of it all smoothed over her worries, after all, sitting for a little bit longer wouldn't hurt.

    "Sure," she said simply, offering a heartfelt smile as she scooted over to share her comfortable spot. As he padded over to sit next to her, she couldn't help but notice how strange his fur looked. 'It's like he was touched by moonlight...' she thought to herself. She realized she had been staring when his eyes met hers and she was about to turn away in embarrassment when she realized his eyes were also strange. Forgetting her manners, she leaned closer to get a better look. They had the depths of the night sky and when a meteor flew over head it looked perfectly reflected in his eyes.

    His soft chuckle brought her back to her senses and she ducked her head, mumbling an apology. The male answered by gently pushing his side against hers, sharing warmth on the chilly winter night. When Arnicapetal looked back to him his gaze was fixed on the spectacle above. The she wolf sighed in contentment, and moved in closer against the male. The beautiful sight above the only thing to break the stillness besides their quiet breaths.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    The pack had finally all made it across the Great River, the biggest part of their journey to their new home in the Coniferous Forest. It couldn't have been a moment too soon for Arnicapetal and she pushed ahead, unable to wait for her packmates anymore. A great cramp came over her as she breached the tree line, the towering conifers giving her a deep sense of security. It wasn't long before she found a perfect mossy log and wiggled her way inside. Oakstrike, the old herbalist, was quick on her tail, carrying nesting material for her, knowing what would be coming soon. He placed a reassuring tail on her flank and she gave him an appreciative look before the pain overtook her.

    Her packmates had been so very pleased to see the four pups suckling at her belly, until they noticed the fifth she kept protected under her paws. Rumors began that they had been cursed by the mysterious lights that had claimed their packmates, and it wasn't long before they demanded their leader, Dawnshadow, to intervene. Arnicapetal kept her head high, a defiant look in her eyes as her leader approached. The two golden she wolves locked eyes for a minute before Dawnshadow settled down next to the new queen, smiling at the puppies. Arnicapetal relaxed slightly and began to groom her pups, keeping a suspicious eye on her leader.

    "These pups have found our new home for us, I am grateful for that," Dawnshadow said softly, keeping her eyes on the squirming bodies. Arnicapetal stiffened as she waited for her leader to continue, but she did not. The young mother hesitated before moving her paw to groom her largest pup, the one with the pelt of moonlight. Just like their father. Arnicapetal could feel Dawnshadow's eyes burning into them but she continued, determined to not let the rumors get to her. As she licked their face a flash of their green eyes shown, and both she wolves caught their breaths.

    Dawnshadow was the first to recover, "She has your eyes...". Arnicapetal raised her gaze to her leader's but she was not looking at her. "She is your daughter," she said with finality before moving out of the mossy log. Arnicapetal sat for a long while after her leader left, the nursing pups the only sound to break the silence. After she had processed the meaning of Dawnshadow's words she released a breath, a peace settling over her she had not felt since that winter night. She nuzzled all her puppies in turn before cuddling up to her strange furred daughter, counting the flecks of meteors in her fur.


    Riverstone's and Arnicapetal's weaned pups were running laps around the fern glade of the camp, chasing Rowanberry's older ones. The two newest arrivals, Cedarflame and Firepelt, were laying down, pretending to sleep, so the pups could try to jump over them. Occasionally one of the adults would "wake up" and try to grab the pups which would lead to excited barks. Dawnshadow smiled, the two had been a great addition this spring. They had come from the same pack looking for a new family and seemed to have found it here, plus they were great hunters.

    Their skills were much needed when several of her pack members had decided to leave the pack. Ripplepelt she had expected, he never got used to Twilightmeadow and even Pecanleaf had left out of her own fear. Dawnshadow watched the little purple pup dodge away from Firepelt's grabbing paws, laughing with his littermates. Dawnshadow couldn't see any difference between the pups. Now Oakstrike leaving had been a surprise, but he had never really settled into a role in the pack so she understood his desire to go find where he truly belonged.

    "Alright Dawnshadow, your turn." the young leader looked up to see Arnicapetal carrying a medicinal bundle toward her. She tensed at the sight, remembering how unpleasant it was the first time the herbalist had applied it.

    "Are you sure you got all of Brookfeather's fleas?" Dawnshadow asked, trying to stall. The gray queen gave her leader an indignant look before turning around to put her back to her. With their nests being so close, Dawnshadow could hear her mumbling under her breath. Brookfeather was still sensitive about being the first to get fleas this season.

    Arnicapetal shook her head, her ears touching the top of her den, "Dawnshadow you can fight a mountain lion by yourself but you can't take a little medicine". The question came out as a statement as the she wolf moved in. Dawnshadow looked around for any other distraction, but with Riverstone being in quarantine with influenza she had to accept her fate.

    Dawnshadow had been patrolling the base of the mountains on their territory when a mountain lion had surprised her. She thought she was done for but by some miracle she had fought the giant feline off. The big cat had left behind a deep wound on her upper right leg with a claw stuck in it. When she managed to stumble home until she ran into a patrol they didn't believe her until they saw the claw. It was now kept in a little crevice in her den but the wound on her leg had gone bad and now Arnicapetal had to clean out the infection. Dawnshadow just managed to keep herself from wincing as the herbalist set about her work.

    "This'll be a really cool scar." Arnicapetal said softly in an attempt to smooth over the unpleasantness. Dawnshadow began to chuckle but sucked in her breath as Arnicapetal applied the medicine. Brookfeather was now trying to get a look even though she was pretending she wasn't. Dawnshadow smiled inwardly and turned her tear filled gaze on the still frolicking pups. A hunting party and scouts were returning and she could hear they were eager to get in on the fun too. 'I would do it all over again,' she thought to herself, stiffling a grunt of pain, 'for them'.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-24 17:56:04 (edited)
#568158


The Second Summer



  • Cedarflame gave birth. She had one boy and three girls. Her pups weaned.

  • Auburnspark's pups weaned. She caught fleas while hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Autumnsky got an open wound while hunting but she quickly recovered.

  • Dawnshadow gave birth. She had three boys and one girl.

  • Acornmask and Badgernose have decided to leave the pack.

  • Dawnshadow's sons, Hollowfang and Burrowclaw, have become of age and will be the new camp guards, filling in where they need to.

  • Riverstone got an open wound while hunting but she recovered quickly.

  • Nightcreek got mange while hunting but he recovered quickly.

  • Foxgaze gave birth to two girls and one boy. She got an open wound while exploring but recovered quickly.

  • Aspenridge grew up, he has decided to become a hunter. He got an open wound while hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Cloudchaser has decided to leave the pack.

  • Smallvine joined the pack. She is an older female and a patient pupsitter.

  • Lochmist got an open wound while hunting but he recovered quickly.

  • Firepelt caught mange while hunting but he recovered quickly.


    Four tiny pups wiggled against Dawnshadow's belly. The young leader sighed contently, nuzzling each little bundle in turn. Arnicapetal had just left, Dawnshadow was grateful to have an experienced herbalist this time. She couldn't believe it had already been a year since the last time she did this. She could hear excited voices outside and tried to peak through the opening of the mossy log but could only see three sets of paws. Her two older sons and her mate. Burrowclaw and Hollowfang had grown to adulthood and taken on camp guard roles, helping out where they're needed. 'When did they get so big?' she thought to herself, but her new puppies crying stole her train of thought. Her first and only daughter was viscously swatting at her dark brown brother, trying to steal the teat he was on. She shook her head and gently nudged her to an open teat.

    "She takes after her mother." Cedarflame joked from a nearby nest, her own four pups climbing over her. Auburnspark playfully swatted the red she-wolf with her tail.

    "You be respectful to our leader or she'll sick that vicious killer on you!" the older female warned, a light tone curling her lips into a smile. The three she-wolves laughed together as Auburnspark continued with her task. Her pups had just weaned so she was cleaning out her old nest. Dawnshadow watched the stiffness in the way she moved, and knew that litter would be Auburnspark's last. She was still the best hunter in the pack, and Dawnshadow hoped she wouldn't be retiring to be a mentor with Yarrowears anytime soon.

    Dawnshadow looked around at the mostly empty nursery, the pups and adolescents all out training. But it felt extra empty without Acornmask and Badgernose. She knew they were another pair that had never gotten used to Twilightmeadow, but she certainly didn't expect them to leave this late into it. Worry churned her stomach, her patrols were returning with news that neighboring packs had been seeing the mysterious lights. She thought she had safely gotten her pack away from them by moving, but now she wasn't so sure. 'Did Acornmask and Badgernose leave on their own accord?' she remembered how she had been away from her pack for three days chasing the lights. Could her packmates be doing the same?

    A commotion at the entrance of the mossy log took her from her dark thoughts. Autumnsky and Riverstone were both trying to hobble in, assumingly to see the new pups. They were less than graceful though since they were nursing recent hunting injuries.

    Auburnspark chided, "Autumnsky, how are you going to be my lead chaser if you don't rest that leg? And Riverstone, those young wolves need your strength to finish off the prey. How are these new pups going to eat if both of the hunting parties are down?". The two younger she-wolves only had half an ear on Auburnspark as they hobbled over to coo over Dawnshadow's new pups. The young leader smiled and relaxed, comforted by the presence of her pack. Everything was going to be alright.


    Dawnshadow was rigid as she walked back into central clearing of her pack's home. She was tired and hot from searching all day, but at least had some prey to contribute to the pile. Five of her packmates were down with injuries, and another one had left. At least that's what most everyone was saying, that Cloudchaser had left like Acornmask and Badgernose. But that had made even less sense to Dawnshadow. She knew the young she-wolf had never had any issue with Twilightmeadow. So she had taken it upon herself to go looking for Cloudchaser while she brought back some prey for her pack. The strange thing, Dawnshadow never found any trace of the missing she-wolf. But she did finally meet some wolves for herself that were telling stories about the strange lights. Her frustration threatening to overtake her she dug her claws into the soft dirt, listening to the wind stirring the branches of the coniferous trees.

    Foxgaze hobbled up to her then to take the prey from her mouth, "You're going to squish it if you bite any harder". The fox colored she-wolf had nothing but understanding in her eyes but Dawnshadow still felt embarrassment as she passed the fresh kill over to her wounded scout. Her wolves were still learning this land, and a misstep had caused Foxgaze to twist her paw. Thankfully nothing serious. Firepelt and Nightcreek had caught mange while hunting, also nothing serious if not just an inconvenience but a learning lesson. Their newest hunter, Aspenridge, was another story. He grew up in the pack, an adopted pup, so she thought he would know better on his first hunting trip. But he had gone after a bison by himself and nearly got trampled to death before Lochmist saved him, getting injured in the process. The only good thing that came of that was that the rest of the hunting party managed to bring the bison down. The pack had eaten well that week, but now they were down two hunters.

    Dawnshadow shook her head and was about to go check on how Arnicapetal was getting on with all her patients when a blue gray pelt caught her eye. An older she-wolf was approaching the camp in a submissive posture. Dawnshadow sat down as the stranger approached, curious what she had to say. Seeing the invitation to continue, the dark she-wolf stood in front of Dawnshadow, her head bowed.

    "Hello, I am Smallvine," the older female started, daring a glance up at the golden leader.

    "Greetings, I am Alpha Dawnshadow. What brings you to the Whispering Leaves Pack?" her voice carried authority while still remaining friendly.

    "Thank you Dawnshadow. You see, I..." Smallvine lost her voice, and took a moment before she found it, "Most of my pack has disappeared lately. And there's not enough of us left to take care of each other. We thought it would be better to split up so...". Emotion thickened the older she-wolf's words and she bowed her head to stare at her paws as she composed herself. Dawnshadow wanted to reach out to her to offer comfort but restrained herself.

    "You are welcome to stay with us as long as you like," Dawnshadow offered softly. Smallvine's head shot up at the proposition, surprise and relief showing in her eyes.

    "Oh thank you, but I'm not the most skilled hunter..." anxiety tinged Smallvine's words, and she began to shrink inside herself again.

    "That's okay, I'm sure we can find you a place here," Dawnshadow reassured her, standing and moving to the side to allow the newcomer to enter the clearing. Smallvine offered a hopeful smile as she stepped forward, but kept her posture small as if to not take up too much room. As Dawnshadow followed her she could see curious eyes looking out from the dens. Arnicapetal's pups, lead by one of Auburnspark's, were the first to approach.

    "Who are you?" Auburnspark's daughter asked, sniffing the newcomer.

    "My name is Smallvine," the blue gray she-wolf offered, smiling sweetly at the pups.

    "Will you play with us?" Twilightmeadow was the next to step forward. Dawnshadow held her breath as she waited to see how Smallvine would react to the strange coated pup.

    "Of course! Do you know how to play badger rides?" Smallvine said without skipping a beat. Arnicapetal's daughters led them off excitedly and Dawnshadow relaxed. It seemed like Smallvine would be another great addition to her family.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-24 18:08:33 (edited)
#568199


The Second Autumn



  • Dawnshadow's pups weaned. She got diarrhea while exploring but recovered quickly. Got two scars, an open wound, and fleas while battling in explore. Dawnshadow feels a small growth creeping over their fur!

  • Twilightmeadow is now an adolescent.

  • Pineconefur's fur slowly turns green, as small sprouts of moss start to combine with individual hair strands.

  • Yellowleaf joined the pack. She is a hunter and a swift chaser. She had her first litter, two females and two males.

  • Lochmist decided to leave the pack.

  • Firepelt got ear mites while hunting but he quickly recovered.

  • Foxgaze's pups weaned.

  • Rowanberry got fleas while hunting but recovered quickly.

  • Auburnspark picked up ticks while hunting but she recovered quickly.

  • Autumnsky gave birth. She had one large male, two females, and one runt male.



    Dawnshadow watched as Twilightmeadow's purple paw carefully mixed the herbs under Arnicapetal's watchful eye. Firepelt was laying down on his side, waiting patiently for the treatment for his ear mites. The young leader tried to detect any trace of uncertainty in her orange pelted hunter, but all she could see was him resisting the urge to scratch his ear. Dawnshadow had ruled that all young wolves would be trained in all manners of pack care. Still, she knew some wolves were unwilling to receive treatment from the young paws, despite Arnicapetal's assistance. Especially from Twilightmeadow due to her strange appearance. Dawnshadow was keeping a watchful eye on her development, but with her herbalist mother's guidance she seemed like any other young wolf.

    Her four recently weaned pups raced by, instinctively stealing her attention. They were playing a game with Foxgaze's also recently weaned pups and her mate, Pineconefur. She smiled softly, reminiscing the days spent playing with them in the mossy log. But her pack needed her now, and it was about time she and her mate set off for patrol. Normally Foxgaze and Pineconefur would take care of the scouting but the red she wolf had been dying to get out and stretch her paws early this morning after spending so long taking care of her pups. Dawnshadow had asked Foxgaze to show newcomer Yellowleaf around the pack's territory. Yellowleaf had just joined the pack the night before, so she thought it would be good for her to learn the land. After a last tussle, Pineconefur finally managed to wiggle away from the pups as Yarrowears came over to teach them their daily lessons. She shared a quick nuzzle with her mate and a loving smile before leading the way out of camp.

    Most of their patrol had been uneventful besides a small herd of deer crossing their path. Dawnshadow hoped the herd would head in the direction of her hunting party. They were now cresting a small hill, Pineconefur in the lead. Dawnshadow slowed her pace as she looked around. 'Why is there no birdsong here?' she thought to herself. She knew there were some caves nearby and wondered if there was something dangerous ahead.

    Quickening her pace, she was a tail length behind her mate when she called to him, "Pineconefur-". Her words were cut off as a great burst of energy knocked the two wolves off their paws, hard enough to knock the breath out of them. They were thrown down the hill, tumbling over and over. Dawnshadow hit her head on a rock and darkness consumed her.

    A damp, prodding nose finally stirred her, "Dawnshadow! Dawnshadow, wake up!". The golden she wolf groaned as she opened her eyes to the bleary sight of Twilightmeadow standing over her.

    "We were out collecting herbs when we found you! Don't worry, my mom is with Pineconefur now." Twilightmeadow said, before mumbling to herself, "If that's still his name...". Dawnshadow tried to sit up but it took her a few tries and the young wolf's support before she could. She could sort of make out Arnicapetal's bright golden pelt, but why was she hunched over a mossy boulder?

    Twilightmeadow was silent for a bit before saying softly, "It's okay, you'll get used to the pack's whispers. You're still the same Dawnshadow to me!" She said the last part happily, her tail thumping the ground.

    "What are you talking about?" she said groggily, using her paw to try to wipe the fuzziness from her eyes. She noticed a piece of moss stuck to her pelt and tried to shake it off. But it didn't move. She tried again, harder this time, but it still remained. She froze as understanding creeped over her, and looking over her shoulder at her back. Mossy patches grew in a pattern along her coat. Her wide eyes met Twilightmeadow's, and the young female looked at her with sympathy.

    "Twilightmeadow. I need you to go back and bring back the first adults you find. I'm going to need help carrying them home." Arnicapetal said as she turned away from the mossy boulder. "Dawnshadow, you need to lay back down. You are covered in wounds and you hit your head". Dawnshadow hadn't felt the wounds until Twilightmeadow helped lay her back on the ground. For some reason she couldn't take her eyes off the mossy boulder, even as Arnicapetal began to work on her. 'Something about it looks so...familiar?' she thought, trying to clear the haze from her mind. Suddenly, the mossy boulder shifted and she saw white underfur. 'White underfur?' she thought incredulously. Until it hit her.

    "Pineconefur?" she asked, her voice trembling.


    Dawnshadow was sitting at the edge of camp, away from the groups of wolves sharing the evening meal together. She watched her packmates in the gathering darkness, the nights were coming quicker now, winter would be here soon. 'Will we be strong enough to get through this winter?' she thought to herself, pawing at her untouched portion of food. She remembered how her first winter as leader had been tough, how the mysterious lights had first begun to terrorize her pack. She thought moving would help but still her packmates mysteriously disappeared, and then the incident had happened with her and her mate. It had taken an entire hunting patrol to carry them home, and as soon as they reached the camp Lochmist took one look at them, said goodbye to his sister Brookfeather, and left. It had devastated Dawnshadow to finally know what Twilightmeadow was going through. Strange colored pelts, happening supernaturally. Dawnshadow couldn't blame her pack for their weariness, and had expected Yellowleaf to turn tail and leave.

    Soft whimpering from the mossy log caused Dawnshadow's ears to perk. She could hear Yellowleaf in there, comforting her pups. 'Maybe she'll leave when they wean,' she thought. Even though the rest of her pack had stood by her she was still convinced some would not be able to handle the oddities and leave once spring came, if not before. She watched as Autumnsky left the log to go fetch food for her and Yellowleaf. The red she wolf's four pups went up to the lip to watch her go. The size difference between her largest pup and her runt was quite shocking, and she made a note to ask Arnicapetal to keep an eye on him. Even though she was distancing herself from social interactions she still cared deeply for her packmates and wanted the best life for them.

    Her mate, now wanting to go by Pineconemoss, was often out scouting for any news that this had happened to other packs. Or maybe even a way to reverse it. Dawnshadow felt so different from her pack now, she didn't even want to confide in Twilightmeadow in case her differentness passed on to her. Part of her knew she should have more faith in the bonds of her packmates, but it was a challenge when she couldn't even accept how she looks. Which is why she was so surprised when Auburnspark and Rowanberry came over and sat with her to eat. They didn't say anything, just sat down and started eating. Dawnshadow sat processing for a bit before she finally hunched over and took a small bite from her food.

    Eventually Rowanberry leaned over to her and said, "Don't worry, no one else wants to eat with us either".

    Auburnspark added, "Even though Arnicapetal gave us a clean bill of health, sometimes it takes some wolves longer to believe it". Dawnshadow knew they were talking about their recent flea and tick treatments but it felt like they were trying to say something more. Moved by their thoughtfulness, she couldn't find the words to say, and instead simply enjoyed the quietness of their company as they ate together.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
Posted 2021-11-24 19:06:28 (edited)
#568277


The Second Winter



  • Yarrowears wandered off to find a quiet place to pass on. He will be remembered fondly.

  • Auburnspark stepped down as a hunter to be a mentor.

  • Lakeripple joined the pack. She is a hunter, and a swift chaser.

  • Dawnshadow got diarrhea while exploring but she recovered quickly.

  • Brookfeather gave birth. One large male, one male, and one runt female. She has stepped down as hunter to be a pupsitter. She was diagnosed with pox but recovered quickly.

  • Dawnshadow's pups: Bearheart, Chipmunkbite, Chickadeewing, and Elkantler are now adolescents.

  • Yellowleaf got an open wound while hunting but quickly recovered. Her pups weaned.

  • Smallvine gave birth to four males.

  • Coyotechaser grew to adulthood. He is a hunter and a swift chaser.

  • Heatherpelt joined the pack. She is a hunter and a strong finisher.

  • Nightcreek decided to leave the pack.

  • Autumnsky's pups weaned.

  • Rowanberry got mange while hunting but recovered quickly. She gave birth to five puppies, two boys, two girls, and one female with a mossy pelt.

  • Aspenridge picked up mange while hunting but he recovered quickly.

  • Hemlockshade grew to adulthood, she is a scout.


    "How is it your first day back out hunting and you hurt yourself?!"

    "You try pinning down an elk and then ask me that!"

    "Oh, I know what that's like! You big puppies have to be held down to take any kind of medicine!" Dawnshadow was watching the exchange between herbalist Arnicapetal and young hunter Yellowleaf. The young she wolf had finally weaned her pups and had gone out on a hunt today. It was newcomer Lakeripple who had brought her home with an open gash on her leg. Dawnshadow's gaze flicked to the fox pelted she wolf standing near the edge of the fern glade, looking very much like she wanted to leave the bickering to return to the woods. Meeting her gaze she gave a slight nod and Lakeripple wagged her tail in appreciation before running off. The two arguing she wolves did not notice.

    Dawnshadow sat down to wait to see how the fight would resolve. She herself was still digesting the medicine she had just taken for an upset stomach. Winter was not the time to be losing any nutrients, which was why she had been eager for Lakeripple to return to the hunt. She was surprised the young she wolf had wanted to join their pack despite her and Pineconemoss's mossy pelts. She hadn't even given Twilightmeadow a second glance. 'Just the type of packmate we need,' she thought, pleased. Someone who had given the young she wolf a second glance, on the other hand, was her son Bearheart. Her youngest pups were adolescents now, running around learning all they could. And Bearheart seems to have taken a liking to their newest pack member.

    The pack needed all the paws they could get, they were down a hunter. Brookfeather had recently given birth, a bad time in winter. Dawnshadow thought her two boys had a good chance of making it but her little daughter looked too weak. Brookfeather had insisted on stepping down as hunter to be a full time pupsitter. 'We'll need more patrols to make up for her loss, maybe I should go out while the sun's up...' Dawnshadow began thinking to herself when Rowanberry appeared in camp. The young leader was surprised to see her, but maybe her hunting party was on a rest. The rust coated female kept a weary eye on Arnicapetal and Yellowleaf who were still bickering as she made her way over to Dawnshadow. Rowanberry sat a few tail lengths away and began scratching at her fur, Dawnshadow kept a suspicious eye on her.

    "Do you think they'll be done soon? I can't stop scratching and keep ripping off these scabs." Rowanberry said, irritably nipping at her coat. Dawnshadow subconsciously leaned away from the itchy female, not wanting to catch whatever she had.

    "Yellowleaf, you've said your peace. Lay down so Arnicapetal can treat you. There's patients waiting." At her last sentence she cast her gaze towards Rowanberry. Yellowleaf looked like she was about to argue before she followed her leader's gaze. Seeing her scratching packmate she was quick to lay down, not wanting an outbreak to spread. Arnicapetal shook her head and mumbled under her breath as she headed into her den to get her herbs.

    Another movement caught Dawnshadow's eye and she was surprised to see Auburnspark padding into camp. 'Is everyone going to be coming back today? Winter has only begun!' she thought, trying to not let the irritations pile up on her. But the dark coated she wolf had a desolate look in her eye, and that stopped all negative thoughts Dawnshadow was having.

    "I need you to come with me." Auburnspark said softly once she was in range. Was that grief in her voice? Dread sinking her stomach, Dawnshadow got up without a word and followed Auburnspark into the woods.

    It wasn't long before they reached a hollow they often used for training the pups. The small clearing was close to camp and shielded by the towering redwoods. Their needles blanketed the ground, creating a soft surface perfect for learning hunting and fighting skills. It was quiet now, the dappled sunlight creating a peaceful atmosphere. Dawnshadow was wondering why Auburnspark had brought her here, until she finally saw the furry heap at the edge of the treeline.

    "The pups said he had told them he was going to take a nap," Auburnspark said quietly, her eyes never leaving the body. Dawnshadow padded over but she already knew that Yarrowears had passed peacefully. He always took the pups out early in the morning for their lessons. It was now late afternoon and his body was getting cold. Dawnshadow bowed her head to touch the top of the dead mentor's head. 'May our ancestors light your path. May you find good hunting, soft bedding, and laughter from loved ones. This I wish for you always.' she prayed.

    Auburnspark came up to join her leader, "I'm going to step down as lead hunter to be the new mentor". When Dawnshadow looked at Auburnspark she could see the toll the years had taken on her. She knew the she wolf had not fallen into season again after her last litter, like she predicted. She knew Auburnspark was always stiff when she awoke and limping when she went to bed. But once she looked past the raw grief in her eyes all she saw was fierce determination and love.

    "Thank you," was all Dawnshadow could say, her words thick with emotion. She leaned into the older she wolf, sharing her warmth and comfort. They sat like that for a while, looking down at Yarrowears in his eternal slumber. Was Auburnspark thinking that might be her next?

    "I'll go get some others to help dig and get ready for the ceremony tonight." Auburnspark eventually said before stiffly getting up and padding away. Dawnshadow got up and started digging the final resting place for the first mentor of her pack, remembering all the good memories they shared and thanking him for the gift he had given.


    "I will not feed that thing!" Rowanberry snarled from her nest in the mossy log, four puppies tucked up against her. A lone pup with a mossy pelt had been pushed from the nest. It shivered as the winter air blew in from the den entrance and whimpered weakly. Arnicapetal stood over it, fury in her green eyes.

    "That is not my pup." Rowanberry said with finality, turning her head away from the herbalist. A menacing growl started in Arnicapetal's throat, uncharacteristic for the herbalist. It made heads turn, and even Rowanberry cocked an ear toward her. Dawnshadow dug her claws into the softening bark, agitation making her pelt prickle. Autumnsky had escorted her newly weaned pups out to give them space, Smallvine was watching from a nearby nest, her four pups daring occasional peeks. Dawnshadow could hear two others peeking as well, Coyotechaser and Hemlockshade. They were the newest adolescents to grow into adults but it seems like they haven't grown out of all of their puppiness quite yet.

    Dawnshadow refocused her attention on the stubborn Rowanberry and the murderous Arnicapetal. She had half a mind letting the herbalist beat some sense into her hunter. She knew that last statement had been personal, with Arnicapetal having a strange pelted pup herself. That didn't stop Arnicapetal from loving her pup, but it seems Rowanberry did not feel the same way. With a deep sigh she stepped forward and gently picked up the newborn pup in her jaws. The movement seemed to snap Arnicapetal out from her rage and she sat back on her haunches, continuing to glare at the back of Rowanberry's head. As Dawnshadow carried the pup over to Smallvine she noted that the older she wolf avoided her leader's gaze. 'Will no one claim this pup? How will it possibly survive? Winter is almost over and spring will bring more mothers but it needs milk now.' she thought to herself, agonizing over her limited options.

    She set the mossy pup down near Smallvine. The pitiful thing began to whine when it smelled her milk. Smallvine's pups began to creep over to it to sniff at it but the older she wolf put a paw down, blocking their advance. Dawnshadow looked to her but she kept her head bowed and avoided eye contact. The young leader had expected more from Smallvine with how unaffected she had first acted towards Twilightmeadow. But she knew how hard this must be for her, so Dawnshadow hesitated. 'Would it be kinder to send this pup to our ancestors?' she thought, looking down at the small bundle that was trying to curl up against the cold.

    "Just feed them for one moon, after that my milk should come in and I can feed them then." Arnicapetal said, venom in her voice. The three she wolves turned to look at her, but the herbalist had locked her blazing eyes on Smallvine. The older she wolf cringed at the fire there and paused for only a heartbeat before moving her paw, allowing her pups to sniff the newcomer. Dawnshadow did not know the herbalist was expecting again and figured it was the first time her packmates were hearing of it as well.

    "I will move them into my den as soon as Brookfeather and Aspenridge recover from their illnesses," she stated, standing up as best she could in the nursery. She turned her stare back on Rowanberry, who had dared a glance and now whipped her head back away.

    Arnicapetal spoke so softly, but everyone was dead silent she could be heard easily, "They will be raised as my pup, and I will be their mother". Rowanberry tensed at her words but the herbalist was quick to leave, returning to her den. The eavesdroppers outside had to quickly move to get out of her way.

    Dawnshadow stayed long enough to see the little pup latch onto Smallvine and nurse for a bit before she too made her way out of the den. Before she got very far newcomer Heatherpelt approached her. Her hunting party had found the young she wolf wandering alone during a snowstorm and she had invited her to stay. Dawnshadow thought Heatherpelt would do well in her pack, but she had thought the same about Smallvine and look where that had gotten her. The pinkish she wolf walked up wearily, she looked like she had drawn the short stick and thus had to go tell Dawnshadow whatever she was about to say. The young leader didn't think it would be good.

    "Alpha Dawnshadow?" she began, looking anywhere but at her leader, "Umm...we heard about the new pup and...Nightcreek left." Heatherpelt stared at Dawnshadow, holding her breath. Dawnshadow took a second to compose herself before looking around at her camp. Several pairs of eyes stared back and she realized the whispering had stopped. 'And so it begins,' she thought to herself, mentally preparing for the mass exodus.
Ursa | Offline Until 12th
#50472
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